Eye Infections

There are many types of eye infections that can affect human beings. Of these, some of the most common are conjunctivitis (pink eye), eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), styes and keratitis. Most are not serious and can be easily treated and often related to eye allergies.

Causes of eye infections vary with the different types of infections. For example, a sty may be caused by any of the following: build-up of bacteria at the eyelash follicle, incomplete removal of eye makeup, infected cosmetics, or stress. Styes are mildly contagious. Blepharitis is caused by inflammation and is very common among older people. Keratitis is a somewhat more rare infection that results from wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended time limits. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by direct contact with another infected individual, because it is highly contagious, but it has many causes. 

Eye infections symptoms usually include redness, irritation, swelling and inflammation. Diagnosing eye infections should be done by your doctor. 

Preventing eye infections can be easy if you follow good hygiene rules. To prevent styes or conjunctivitis, wash your hands regularly, wash pillowcases frequently and do not share cosmetics or other eye-care items. To prevent developing keratitis, never wear your contact lenses overnight.

Most eye infections are easily treatable and complications do not frequently develop. Eye infections pain may occur, but will diminish quickly with mild or moderate cases. With conjunctivitis, there is some risk of sight damage associated with pinkeye that is caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia. Serious cases of keratitis also carry some risk of sight damage. Prompt eye infections treatment may help to reduce the risk of these complications. 

Both blepharitis and conjunctivitis may have bacterial causes in some cases. 

Bacterial blepharitis is an infection at the rim of the eyelid that results in irritation and swelling. It is one of the most common types of eye infections, especially among the elderly. Symptoms include red and swollen eyes, itchy or watery eyes, eyelash loss, discharge, shedding of skin cells on the eyelids. To treat blepharitis bacterial, keep the eye area clean, use warm compresses 3-4 times per day, and avoid contact lenses and cosmetics.

Conjunctivitis or pinkeye with bacterial causes often results from STDs. It can be treated with antibiotic eyedrops, ointments or pills that should clear up the infection within a week. 

Pink eye is perhaps the most well known form of eye infection. It is better known by this name than by its proper name, conjunctivitis. The infection has received this nickname because of the redness that develops in the white part of the eye, making the eye look pink. You can get pink eye from other infected people, but pink eye treatment is usually very quick and simple. 

As stated, conjunctivitis is the proper name for pink eye. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritants, or allergies. It is so called because it mainly affects the conjunctiva, which is the thin, clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Pink eye symptoms include redness, increased tear production, discharge, and itchy or burning eyes. Conjunctivitis treatment can resolve these symptoms easily. While medicine will be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis must run its course, but usually resolves itself in less than a week. If the cause is an irritant, quickly rinse the eye to remove the irritant. If it is caused by allergies, treatment and removal of the allergen should clear up the infection. 

Blepharitis is known to be a commonly recurring eye infection. People who suffer from blepharitis should talk to their doctor and maintain a long-term eye hygiene routine. Recurrent pink eye, or recurrent bacterial conjunctivitis is not common and anyone experiencing recurrent bacterial infections or recurrent eye discharge should consult their doctor.